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But he will now be in charge of the big screen as Slaven Bilic’s side visit Whaddon Road for the first time.

West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic

“I was absolutely buzzing when the draw was made, I was actually at my girlfriend's house when I found out and rang my dad and granddad straight away,” James said.

“My first ever football shirt was the old Dr Martens West Ham one when I was about five or six.

“My dad and granddad used to stand in what was the old Chicken Run, when they used to go when they were kids both of them painted a box Claret and Blue to stand on to see over the barriers.

“My great uncle was also in the youth academy when Trevor Brooking and Harry Redknapp had just broken through.”

James Stone at Villa Park

West Ham won the only previous meeting between the two clubs 2-1, with goals from Ricardo Vaz Te and Ravel Morrison, with Matt Richards replying for Cheltenham from the penalty spot.

“I went up there with my mate from school and we sat in the Cheltenham end as we were both season ticket holders,” James recalled.

“I remember us playing quite well and the team doing the club proud.

“Ravel Morrison looked like the next big thing that evening but sadly for him it's not worked out like that for him, I also got to see one of my favourite players from my child hood play in Joe Cole which was brilliant.”

Russ Penn in action at West Ham United

Being a keen follower of both teams, James feels he cannot lose on Wednesday and his main hope is for an entertaining and competitive game.

“Quite a few people have asked me who I want to win!” he said.

“I'm hoping for a good game which will hopefully entice a few more fans back to the LCI Rail Stadium more often.

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“I'm confident that the Cheltenham lads will put a good show on and hopefully we'll see a goal or too from them.

“I wouldn't mind a picture with Mark Noble and I'll definitely put my request in for his shirt if it's up for grabs!”

Mark Noble

James has been in charge of the scoreboard since it was built in the summer, thanks for last season’s crowdfunding project which saw more than £60,000 raised.

“The first game that I was operating the screen I was a nervous wreck, as Murry (Toms, fan elected director) would vouch for!” he said.

“But I'm slowly getting the hang of it, there's a bit more pressure on Wednesday because of the Sky cameras but as long as my laptops don't freeze on me I should be fine.

“My main responsibilities now are the running of the screen, working closely with John Finnigan (commercial manager) and Murry in creating fan engaging content and identifying areas in which we can attract new sponsors.

Cheltenham Town's new scoreboard

“There's quite a lot to remember in terms of obligations that the club have to fulfil for sponsors but after a manic couple of weeks it's slowly coming together well.”